<p>The adoption of the resolution to create a new mechanism "will promote the elimination of laws that discriminate against women," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. "Establishing this mechanism by consensus at the UN Human Rights Council reinforces once again that women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights," she said in a statement.<br /><br />Noting that equality for women is not only a matter of justice -- it is a political, economic and strategic imperative, Clinton said the world cannot make progress if women are denied the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential. The United States will continue its commitment to advance the human rights of women and girls around the world, she said.<br /><br />"Most significantly, this resolution establishes a working group of five independent experts from different regions of the world who will work with governments and civil society to identify and promote steps to eliminate laws and practices that discriminate against women, and to advise governments on how to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women," said Mike Hammer, spokesman, National Security Council.<br /><br />The United States was "proud" to co-sponsor this resolution with a group of over 70 other countries, which was led by Colombia and Mexico, he said. "We look forward to working closely with the new working group and the international community in seeking an end to discrimination against all women everywhere," Hammer said.</p>
<p>The adoption of the resolution to create a new mechanism "will promote the elimination of laws that discriminate against women," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. "Establishing this mechanism by consensus at the UN Human Rights Council reinforces once again that women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights," she said in a statement.<br /><br />Noting that equality for women is not only a matter of justice -- it is a political, economic and strategic imperative, Clinton said the world cannot make progress if women are denied the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential. The United States will continue its commitment to advance the human rights of women and girls around the world, she said.<br /><br />"Most significantly, this resolution establishes a working group of five independent experts from different regions of the world who will work with governments and civil society to identify and promote steps to eliminate laws and practices that discriminate against women, and to advise governments on how to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women," said Mike Hammer, spokesman, National Security Council.<br /><br />The United States was "proud" to co-sponsor this resolution with a group of over 70 other countries, which was led by Colombia and Mexico, he said. "We look forward to working closely with the new working group and the international community in seeking an end to discrimination against all women everywhere," Hammer said.</p>